choosing a silhouette target

This is a discussion on choosing a silhouette target within the MP Talk forums, part of the Smith & Wesson MP Forum category; im just getting into shooting again and need some targets just got my carry permit so im looking for some target to train for a ...

im just getting into shooting again and need some targets just got my carry permit so im looking for some target to train for a self defense situation i seem to like the FBI-QIT-G with orange center any opinions on this target or others

For "training" I like the Birchwood Casey BC-27 silhouette target from my LGS or online. It's on a 12x18 page so I get 2 onto my target backing side by side. At 10-15 yards it's about right to force you into aiming well for a center mass shot. Theres some math that equates to the visible size to a distance for a full size person. After working these a "full size" at the same distance almost becomes a bit boring.

It sounds like a copout but shoot what works with you. I can't shoot green targets very well, as with my Magoo like eyes they don't show the holes as well as a red or black target.

the reason i like this target is because it has an orange box going all the way from the head to the stomach to show the most effective place to stop an attacker and i use an indoor range so i can just bring the target up close to see where my shots are

if you want to shoot man shape targets, i would suggest you find an idpa club in your area and participate. then you will be able to not only practice your shooting, but also drawing for holster and such

if you want to shoot man shape targets, i would suggest you find an idpa club in your area and participate. then you will be able to not only practice your shooting, but also drawing for holster and such

No help with your specific question on 'which silhouette', but thought I'd toss this out there. Being cheap and somewhat simple, I use cheap and simple targets; usually Post-It notes when it comes to pistol shooting.

Besides being cheap, you can get them in different colors, anywhere from 1-inch square up to a biggish 5x7 inches, and you can put up multiple ones on a given target stand for minor 'target transitioning' drills. Put up different-color ones on the same target stand and you can do decision-making drills as well. Have the RO call out "PURPLE!" and you draw & shoot all the purple ones, etc.

Another favorite is lollipops that can be had by the hundred-pak at the dollar store for just a couple bucks. Drill a series of 1/8" holes a half-inch deep along a 2x4, and stand them up in there. They're small so they're more fun with a rifle than a pistol (at least for me personally), but they're cheap, they're reactive, and they're biodegradable. You can set up games (you take the orange ones, etc), and they're just fun. Pop a 11/2-inch lollipop with a .308 from a football field away, and it really impresses people who don't know any better.

Same with saltine crackers. Run a saw-kerf cut (minor dado cut) a quarter-inch deep along a 2x4, and you can stand saltines in it. They're a couple bucks for a 120-150 or so, and a simple pass with a small brush will clean the busted-cracker residue out of the groove. Like the lollipops, they're cheap and biodegradable.